aidemia--modules-lessonstartideas_type	Give a creative idea how to begin a lesson
Which subject	Natural science
What age group	Preschool / Nursery
What topic	Autumn
Quantity	1
Any other preferences

Autumn Adventure: A Natural Science Lesson for Preschool

Objective

To introduce young learners to the wonders of autumn through sensory exploration and creative play.

Introduction (5 minutes)

🌳 Gather 'Round for a Story!

Begin the lesson by inviting the children to sit in a circle.

• Tell a short story: "Once upon a time, in a magical forest, the trees were filled with green leaves that danced in the summer breeze. But as autumn approached, something wonderful happened! The leaves changed colour to red, orange, and yellow, making the forest look like a painting. Can you imagine what it’s like to walk through that forest?"

• Engage their senses: Ask the children if they have seen any trees with colourful leaves. Encourage them to describe the colours using words like ‘crisp’, ‘warm’, and ‘bright’.

Activity: Autumn Nature Box (10 minutes)

🍁 What’s in the Box?

Prepare a "Nature Box" filled with various autumn treasures:

• Colourful leaves
• Acorns
• Pine cones
• Small branches
• Pictures of autumn animals (like squirrels and hedgehogs)

Instructions:

1. Present the Nature Box: Show the children the box and explain that it holds special autumn items. Invite each child to take turns reaching into the box and pulling out one item.

2. Sensory Exploration: Encourage them to feel the textures, smell the pine cones, and describe what they see. Ask guiding questions:

   • "What colour is this leaf?"
   • "What do you think this acorn can become?"

Group Discussion (5 minutes)

🍂 Share and Discover

After exploring the items, gather the children again into a circle and discuss.

• Ask Questions:

  • "What did you find most interesting?"
  • "Have you ever seen any of these things outside?"

• Encourage Imagination: Invite them to share what they think happens to animals during autumn. Do they gather food? Do they get ready for winter?

Creative Wrap-Up Activity (10 minutes)

🎨 Create Your Own Autumn Masterpiece

Provide each child with paper and art supplies: crayons, paints, and cut-out shapes of leaves.

Instructions:

1. Create Art: Let the children express what they love about autumn by drawing or painting their favourite autumn scenes. They can use the items from the Nature Box for inspiration.

2. Show and Tell: Invite children to share their creations with the group, describing what they drew and why they love autumn.

Conclusion (5 minutes)

🍁 Autumn Celebration

Wrap up by saying, “Autumn is full of colours, creatures, and changes! Let’s remember to look around us and explore the autumn wonders.”

Encourage children to take a short walk outside (if possible) to see if they can spot any autumn items in nature, reinforcing their learning experience.

Notes for Educators

Feel free to adapt this lesson plan based on your group’s dynamics. Encourage an inclusive environment where each child feels valued and heard, and allow for spontaneous exploration and questions throughout the lesson.